The Best of the 2022 San Francisco International Film Festival
BOTH SIDES OF THE BLADE
The last time director Claire Denis used Juliette Binoche to her maximum ability was in 2017’s “Let the Sunshine In,” a movie that reminded us how unique the prolific actresses’ talents truly are. In the pair’s latest, the acting challenge is more straight-forward as Binoche plays Sara, a woman who has been living with Jean (Vincent Lindon) but is starting to have feelings for his best friend Francois (Gregoire Colin). The fact that Sara used to share a life with Francois before meeting Jean makes this romantic game of ping pong a lot more interesting. The premise is thankfully played straight and not for laughs, letting the drama and messiness of life sink into the situation, with troubling and unexpected results.
FIRE OF LOVE
At their core, Katia and Maurice Krafft used their love of science to explore volcanoes. No matter the destination, they traveled all over the world seeking new answers to their many questions, even while juggling a sometimes chaotic romantic bond. Documentarian Sara Dosa shows the couple’s fascination with the eruptive forces of nature in all of their cinematic glory. It’s mostly told in behind-the-scenes footage, and the results are breathtaking. Seeing the majestic lava and winds take hold of the duo’s camera, it’s easy to see their attraction to the pursuit of science and each other. “Fire of Love” demands to be seen on a big screen for maximum impact and majestic beauty.
MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON
Based on the celebrated animated short film, this theatrical extension finds the curious and anxiety-ridden Marcel (voiced by Jenny Slate) exploring ample surroundings, which just happen to be enclosed in a two-story house. Between caring for a frail grandmother (voiced by Isabella Rossellini) and a frantic search for other relatives outside of their sanctuary, Marcel definitely has a lot to be worried about. Yet Slate’s voice work gives Marcel the soul the film needs to expand from just another cute and quirky short, to a full-fledged feature with ample wit and heart to match. It’s a great movie for all ages, especially those looking for something different.
MIJA
This engrossing documentary showcases the talent of Jacks Haupt, a singer with a unique voice that leaps off the screen. In the hands of talent manager Doris Munoz, the pair form a working relationship that surpasses anything they’ve done before, testing their limits and learning from life’s twists and turns. Both being American-born members of undocumented families amplifies their mutual struggle for success, and the resulting freedom is a roaring crowd-pleaser of a film. Stories like these are examples of what can inspire moviegoers and “Mija” dares you to not walk out with a smile on your face and hope in your heart.
UTAMA
In the outer regions of Bolivia, life is hard but those who call it home get by the best they can. Elderly couple Virginio (Jose Calcina) and Sisa (Luisa Quispe) have lived here for ages and as “Utama” opens, we see their daily routine slowly getting harder with each passing year. Sisa sees the writing on the wall and wants a change, much to the chagrin of the stubborn Virginio, who feels that things are just fine the way they are, even if his failing health continues to prove otherwise. Director Alejandro Loayza Grisi combines drama and heart to showcase a side of life we rarely see onscreen. It’s a gripping and welcoming tale that makes for a unique viewing experience.
All photos courtesy of SFFilm
